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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG CONCLAVE
Partnerships, Cooperation and
Development of North Eastern States
ARUNACHAL PRADESH | ASSAM | MANIPUR
MEGHALAYA | MIZORAM | NAGALAND | SIKKIM | TRIPURA
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SDG Conclave 2020
Partnerships, Cooperation
and Development of
North Eastern States
24-26 February, 2020
Assam Administrative Staff College
Guwahati, Assam
INDIA
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SDG Conclave 2020: Partnerships, Cooperation and
Development of North Eastern States
The Context
The North East region of India is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world where the flora
and fauna as well as the cultures of South, South East and Far East Asia melt and mingle. In
the pre-colonial era the fertile river valleys and the lower Himalayan ranges were the homes
of more than two hundred distinct indigenous peoples speaking languages belonging to
three families of languages (Sino-Tibetan, Austro-Asiatic and Indo-Aryan) ranging from a
population of a few hundreds to a few hundred thousands. The region forms the crucial land
bridge for the Act East Policy of the Government of India to integrate its economy with the fast
growing economies of South East Asia. Therefore, there is considerable attention in terms
of infrastructure development and connectivity. Further, the constitution of the NITI Forum
for the North East under the co-chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and Union
Minister of State (I/C) DoNER, with the North East Council, all 8 States, and representatives
from academia, research institutes and experts, aids and accelerates the focused and
collaborative drive to identify constraints in accelerated, inclusive and sustainable socio-
economic growth in the Northeast Region, while recommending suitable interventions for
addressing these constraints. All these efforts converge to accelerate the collective drive to
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the region.
Northeast States in Achieving SDGs
The North Eastern Region (NER), comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, is one of the most diverse geographic
and socio-economic regions of India. Connected by a narrow 22 km corridor in Assam,
this region is of significant strategic importance, especially with each state sharing an
international border with at least one of the five eastern neighbours of the country. The
region is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world and is substantially endowed with
multifarious natural resources. The NER is home to approximately 225 of India’s tribes,
whose culture and customs provide important clues for biodiversity conservation and
management. The ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural richness of the region contributes
to the socio-cultural wealth of Indian society.
The NER witnessed political exigencies emanating from diversity in ethnicity, culture and
levels of underdevelopment. The states in the region depend significantly on the Central
Government for financial assistance, especially Plan assistance, which continues to be
given on a 90:10 basis, i.e. 90 per cent is central assistance while the States themselves
raise 10 per cent of the budget. Key challenges for the region can be categorized as follows:
• The region is yet to leverage India’s position -as a fast-growing emerging economy
and market, for development
• Overall poor infrastructure development impeding development
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• Low Population Density -119 per sq.km (UP 828, Punjab 554, Bihar 1102)
• Lack of employment opportunities
• High operational cost
• Subsistence farming - Organized groups and strategies to achieve economies of
scale through collective production and marketing missing
• Ecological fragility made worse by persistent environmental degradation - destruction
of tropical rainforest, dying of wetlands, shrinkage of biodiversity cover, soil erosion
and air and water pollution
• State governments are financially strapped, falls under special category
The region is endowed with a vibrant human resource base, varied topography and agro-
climactic conditions which offer vast potential for agriculture, horticulture and forestry. It
also shares international boundaries with several neighbouring countries due to which it
is increasingly gaining significant strategic value. With ASEAN engagement becoming a
central pillar of India’s foreign policy, these states play an important role as the physical and
cultural bridge between India and East Asian countries.
Hence, it is imperative to strengthen partnerships across Central Government, State
Government, Corporates, Civil Societies and neighbouring countries to ensure SDG targets
as envisaged by UN and NITI Aayog are achieved in states of Northeast India, enabling the
region to catch up with better performing states.
The North East - SDG Conclave
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are now being used as the overarching
framework for development discourse, planning and action all over the world and India
has the satisfaction of being the harbinger of adoption and implementation process of this
framework - having championed critical social, economic and environmental parameters.
The North Eastern Region is one of the most demographically diverse regions in the country.
The socio-cultural diversity gives rise to multiple identities and world views. Such multiplicity
is very challenging, particularly, by virtue of increasing the risks of various kinds of exclusions.
On the contrary, it also provides enormous opportunities to learn and strengthen mutual
support among diverse communities towards achievement of Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).
The Northeast -SDG Conclave 2020 which focuses on “Partnerships, Cooperation and
Development of North-Eastern States” will be held in Assam from 24-26 February 2020
at the Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC), Guwahati bringing together all the
stakeholders in the region with the goal of identifying solutions as well as accelerators in
the implementation of SDGs.
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Objectives
1) Determining the key factors which can help multiply progress on SDGs on a par with
better performing States.
2) Identifying factors within the region causing continuing deprivations amongst
certain groups and communities including women and how to resolve them.
3) Strengthening partnership between Centre (including Central PSUs) and states
in furthering the SDGs, with particular emphasis on strengthening impact of centrally
sponsored schemes and projects, involvement of Central PSUs in states’ efforts and
in knowledge and capacity building support.
4) Strengthening partnership with the private sector, with special emphasis on
encouraging the private sector initiatives already on the ground to contribute to SDG
implementation; expanding projects supported by Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) funds on SDG achievement in the Northeast; and infusion of innovation and
new technology.
5) Strengthening partnerships at local level with Panchayati Raj Institutions
(PRIs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and civil society, coordinated through districts to
achieve the SDGs.
Conclave Theme & Sessions
The conclave which is being organised under the umbrella theme of Government of India,
“Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” (One India, Great India) plans to achieve inclusive development
focusing on thematic areas viz. economic growth, connectivity, social & human development,
which are aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Inaugural Session (5 PM to 7 PM on 24 February 2020)
The objective of the opening session is to set the context of the Conclave in terms of progress
on SDGs in the country and in the North Eastern Region. It will provide important insights
into the SDG intervention agenda being taken forward at the national level as well as in
the States concerned. This will help weave out the contours of the subsequent discussions
and enhance awareness and understanding of the key challenges, gaps and opportunities
for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the region. The Session will also provide
foundational inputs on a possible North Eastern Regional Road Map for implementing and
achieving the SDGs.
Cultural Evening (7 PM onwards on 24 February 2020 at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati)
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Technical Session 1:
SDGs in the North Eastern Region: Pathways for
Localisation and Achievement
(10:00 – 11:30, 25 February 2020)
Context:
Localisation of SDGs is at the heart of successful implementation. It is the process
of understanding, adaptation, planning, implementing and monitoring the SDGs from
subnational to local levels by relevant institutions. Therefore, it begins by defining the national/
subnational context of the 2030 agenda, and moving forward to setting goals and targets
at national and subnational contexts, working out indicators and monitoring framework
from subnational to local levels and identifying/establishing the means and structures
of implementation. In terms of engagement and collaboration of institutions, it would be
consequential how the Union, State and Local Governments work together to achieve the
SDGs at the national level, and how SDGs can provide a framework for subnational and
local policy, planning and action for realization of SDG targets at local levels.
Trajectory:
Against the backdrop of the existing reality of SDG localisation in the country, efforts and
achievements of each North Eastern State will be set forth. Experiences and initiatives
around aspects like promoting the whole-of-government’ approach, preparation of vision
document and roadmap, administrative structures for integration and convergence, State
Indicators Framework, etc. will be brought up and discussed. Specific issues including those
of capacity building and collaboration are also expected to be deliberated upon. Deliberations
in the session may also throw light on implementation of specific SDGs as appropriate to
the States, which can be dealt with in more elaborate details in ensuing sessions. The
Session will conclude with a shared perspective of future course of action with respect to
achieving SDGs and associated targets in the context of development priorities of the North
Eastern region.
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Technical Session 2:
Drivers of Economic Prosperity & Sustainable Livelihoods
(11:45 – 13:15, 25 February 2020)
Context:
Accounting for only 2.7% of India’s GDP, the NER supports 3.78% of the country’s population.
A weaker tax base and deteriorating public debt situation put some constraints on its economy.
The region has a diverse agricultural production base, which has tremendous potential for
the domestic as well as the export market. But it is also burdened with low level of workers’
participation and high rural unemployment. Entrepreneurship potentials have dampened
in recent years with the Ease of Doing Business seeing a decline. Industrial growth is
sluggish, but, the service sector (IT and ITES, tourism, education, etc.) has potentials to
grow. A large information gap undermines industrial growth prospects as only fragmented
evidence is available through secondary databases like the ASI, Prowess, Indian economy
statistics of RBI, DGCIS, Comtrade, etc. On the other hand, the region is better placed in
terms of MSME clusters, especially for handicrafts, textiles, leather, jewelry, woodwork and
other artisanal crafts. With the NER States producing a wide range of products, there are
opportunities for developing economies of scale and improve exports, which are dominated
by intermediate and semi-finished products. With strong natural resource endowments and
strategic locations on the long land borders with Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Nepal and
Bhutan, the NER presents unique opportunities for developing growth corridors to link with
rest of South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Trajectory:
Across the canvass of relevant policies, strategies and programmes, problems and issues
would be highlighted along with variations in different North Eastern States. Experiences
of various diverse vulnerable communities from the States will be articulated. Roles and
initiatives of stakeholders, such as, the government, financial institutions, regional trade
chambers, private sector and civil society organisations (CSOs) will be discussed. Good
practice cases will be presented and discussed in order to improve strategies within States
and among States. Ways to address trade-off between economic growth and prosperity on
the one hand and environmental sustainability will be deliberated on.
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Technical Session 3:
Climate Adaptive Agriculture
(14:00 - 15:30, 25 February 2020)
Context:
On account of its fragile ecology and skewed rainfall pattern, the NER risks severe climate
change impacts on the agriculture sector with adverse consequences for food and nutrition,
soil and water management and livelihood security of people. Anticipated impacts include
melting of glaciers, more widespread floods and extended droughts. There can be no more
doubt that precipitation and temperature patterns are changing. The climate forecasts indicate
that these trends will be exacerbated in the future. Average temperatures are projected to
increase by about 1.7°C in almost all the districts of the region. The rainfall is projected to
increase in most of the districts. It makes the matter worse that the region’s natural resources
are under enormous pressure due to increase in population and rising economic growth.
Non-availability of scientific data remains an unresolved challenge, leading to sub-optimal
assessment and management of vulnerability and risks.
Trajectory:
The session will bring out the challenges of the environmental impact of high-external-
input-driven agriculture and sustained agricultural productivity. Experiences of modelling/
piloting climate-adaptive agriculture will be analysed with a view to appraising their wider
adaptability or replicability in the region. Synergy between the objectives of increased
agricultural productivity and those of climate-adaptive agriculture will be a focus area
with respect to producing adequate and nutrition-promoting food crops. Issues of climate-
adaptive agriculture have special significance for the North Eastern Region in view of the
highly bio-diverse and fragile ecosystem. From this point of view, indigenous knowledge
base and traditional agricultural practices assume importance and it is useful to juxtapose
them with current systems and practices for comparative analysis and lesson learning.
Prospects of knowledge development, capacity building and institutional partnerships will
also be assessed in order to explore actionable possibilities.
Technical Session 4:
Nutrition Security & Health and Wellbeing for All
(15:45 - 17:15, 25 February 2020)
Context:
While malnutrition among under-5 children as well as pregnant and lactating women reduced
across the NER during the ten-year period since 2005-6, there is considerable ground to
cover in terms of meeting the target of ending all forms of malnutrition. Prevalence of anaemia,
amongst children aged 6 to 59 months and pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years, was
significantly lower in the NER than the national averages of 58.6% and 50.4%, respectively.
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Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for 58.8 per cent of total deaths while the
proportion of deaths due to Communicable Diseases is more than the national average of
27.5 per cent. In terms of specific causes of mortality, the NER has a higher-than-national
average in diarrheal diseases, strokes, lower-respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, pre-term
birth complications, rheumatic heart diseases and hepatitis. The incidence of malaria and
dengue in the region draws attention to the need of more effective vector control. Cancer
incidence rates are double the national average with the highest incidence in Mizoram,
Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. HIV AIDS remains a challenge, especially in terms
of new infections, infection among substance users and issues pertaining to continuous
availability of anti-retroviral medication.
Trajectory:
The session will broadly purvey the health situation in the region and the issues faced
by various vulnerable groups, such as, women and children, Scheduled Tribes/Castes,
people living with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS. Major areas of health policies
and programmes will be analysed and issues highlighted for remedial measures. Access to
health protection as well as effective health care services will be discussed. The session will
look into serious problems that the region suffers from in the health delivery system – lack of
adequate and trained health personnel, difficulty in accessing services due to geographical
remoteness/isolation, problems in the health governance system, etc. It will also deal with
high incidence of diseases like malaria, cancer, HIV/AIDS. The other major axis of the
session will relate to issues of attaining adequate nutrition status by various vulnerable
population groups and intervention strategies with respect to that. Attention will be given
to dynamics of food distribution, access and quality assurance. In exploring solutions and
ways out, opportunities for collaboration and partnership between States and other relevant
stakeholders will be explored.
Technical Session 5:
Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
(10:00 – 11:30, 26 February 2020)
Context:
At 74.6 per cent, the overall literacy rate in the NER was slightly higher than the national
average in 2011. Matters of concern include a large proportion of schools being single-
teacher, absence of toilets for girls, high dropout rates and low enrolment in secondary
education. Despite addition of new central universities and institutions, the number of
colleges per thousand population (18-23 years) remains much below the national average.
Additionally, the low share of diploma courses in most of the states of the NER is a matter
of special concern in terms of skilling and employment. Despite a significant impetus in
skill development programmes, translation of Vocational Education and Training (VET) into
economic opportunities has been a challenge for those undertaking the courses. Substantive
private sector engagement in fostering skill development, entrepreneurship and employment
may be an important complement to the existing government interventions in the region.
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Trajectory:
The whole gamut of issues faced in the continuum from education to decent work will
be covered. Relevant policies, programmes/schemes and their implementation will be
discussed in an outcome-oriented perspective. While existing problems such as those of
education of girls and SC/ST population, high incidence of dropout, low enrolment, teachers’
absenteeism, habitation without schooling facilities, quality issues, etc. will be looked into,
issues around vocational education, skill development, entrepreneurship development and
creation of well-paying jobs will have substantial attention. Uneven access to opportunities
across various social/population groups will also attract remedial thinking. Like other
sessions, learning from good practices and exploring replicability will be a continuous thread
to be pursued throughout the session.
Technical Session 6:
Communication, Connectivity and Infrastructure Development
(11:45 – 13:15, 26 February 2020)
The total length of national highways (NH) in NER was 13,082 kms as of 2016-17 with a
4600 kms addition in the previous six years. Unlike the total road length (inclusive of all
types of roads) the regional NH network is relatively evenly distributed across the region.
Besides NH, the network of state highways in NER has improved considerably over the
years. The total length of railways in the NER was 2662 kms as of 2016-17, with 91.8 per
cent being in Assam. The total navigable length of main rivers in the NER is 3839 kms and
therefore, inland waterways are a promising alternative for transport of people and cargo.
Passenger and cargo traffic for several NER states has significantly increased between
2015 and 2018. New airports are also being built across the States. However, there are
several challenges that precipitate unwanted delay and congestion in surface transport. An
integrated transport corridor approach is suitable for releasing traffic on those routes and
enables faster movement of cargo.
Reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is also critical for supporting the
entrepreneurship ecosystem emerging in different parts of the country including in the
NER, particularly for design, development and user interface of e-commerce platforms and
multimedia services. Some of the states in NER are rightly poised to leverage technology
driven entrepreneurship and digital platforms to support retail, trade and tourism sectors
critical to the region and hence promote livelihood opportunities. It may be noted that Tripura
is the country’s third international internet gateway after Mumbai and Chennai (through
Cox Bazaar-Bangladesh.). Full serviceability of this gateway would be critical for promoting
economy and development in the entire NER by bringing down service costs. The NER
has also registered significantly higher growth in mobile and wireline connectivity. As per
2019 statistics, mobile tele-density in the NER stands at 82.5% which is below the national
average of 88.41%. However, aggregate internet penetration in NER is significantly higher
than the national average. Similarly, the broadband penetration in NER is higher than the
national level.
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Considering unique geographical situation and strategic location on long international
border, connectivity and communication in the NER is a very critical issue. There is a need
for quick and integrated growth in all the interrelated sectors.
Trajectory:
Communication, infrastructure and connectivity are the key arteries of the development
process and more so in the current times. One of the focus areas will be physical as well
as digital infrastructure development, which have been areas of concern in the region.
Existing programmes will be analysed and new opportunities, such as, in-land waterways
discussed. Current communication management system will be analysed to identify scope
for innovations and new initiatives. Scope of accessing and using new technologies related
to internet of things, big data, Artificial Intelligence, etc. will be explored. The session will
also deal with ways and means of seeking help from various technology partners as well
as institutional investors for providing resource support for transforming the infrastructural
landscape of the region.
Technical Session 7:
Addressing Inequality and Exclusion in the North East
(14:00 – 15:30, 26 February 2020)
Context:
The NER presents a unique socio-cultural mosaic consisting of diverse tribal communities,
and linguistic and ethnic identities. These identities often overlap and even transcend social
as well as geographic boundaries. Many communities in the region suffer from multiple
vulnerabilities. As reflected in other thematic sessions, the region posts sluggish progress
on a number of development parameters, which also adversely impacts the situation of
vulnerable communities.
The Constitution of India provides several protective provisions for the region. The
Sixth Schedule of the Constitution bestows special status upon the traditional institutions
and provides for local self-governance in autonomous district councils. Development
programmes and processes have represented the major stream of efforts to integrate and
assimilate various vulnerable communities in the mainstream of progress and address
concerns of exclusion and isolation. However, issues of unequal distribution of resources
as well as a sense of exclusion among various communities have arisen from time to time.
Emergence of educated elites, students and mobilised youth, active civil society and market
forces has also given rise to new processes of change and wider aspirations for better
opportunities as well as anxiety about possible discrimination and exclusion.
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Trajectory:
The more the diversity, the more the attention riveted on the core SDG principle of ‘Leave No
One Behind’. This is emphatically true of the North Eastern Region. The session will bring
together various initiatives fructifying the principle and working among different communities
at risk for exclusion. Attempt is made to cover all the States. Participants in the session will
include government officials, CSOs, social activists, academics as well as media people.
Major initiatives creating impact on various excluded or marginalised communities will be
discussed in the session. Availability of reliable data is a long-standing problem in this area,
where possible innovations will also be considered.
Final Session:
Way Forward and Valedictory
(15:45 – 17:00, 26 February 2020)
In the culminating session, a summing-up of all the technical sessions will be done to facilitate
reflection on the ways forward. All the States will be represented in the panel to deliberate
on the paths forward as far as implementing and achieving the SDGs is concerned. Ways
for convergence and collaboration of all the stakeholders would be explored for joining
of forces and making greater impact. The session will end with shared perspective of
taking collaborative steps towards improving innovation, cooperation and partnerships for
sustainable development.
As part of preparation, discussions will be held for States to develop their road map on SDGs,
which can be discussed, inputted and finalized in course of the Conclave to constitute the
way forward.
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The Programme
Venue: Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC), Guwahati
Day 1: 24 February 2020
Time (Hrs) Session
16:30-17:00 Registration
17:00-19:00 Inaugural Session
17:00-17:05 (5 min)Introduction:
• Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog
17:05-17:10 (5 min)Welcome Remarks:
• Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister, Finance, Transformation &
Development, Education & Health, Government of Assam
• Ceremonial lighting of Lamp, Offering Gamcha
Time (Hrs) Session
17:10-17:20 (10 min)Opening Remarks and Setting the Context:
• Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog
17:20-17:30 (10 min)Remarks:
• Ms. Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator, India
• Shri Mehrab Irani, Group CFO, Tata Trusts
17:30-18:40 (70 min)Special Address:
• Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
• Shri Nongthombam Biren Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur
• Shri Conrad Kongkal Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya
• Shri Zoramthanga, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram
• Shri Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland
• Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim
• Shri Biplab Kumar Deb, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura
• Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam
18:40-18:50 (10 min)Keynote Address:
• Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (IC), Ministry of
Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of
India
18:50-19:00 (10 min)Vote of Thanks
• Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog
Rapporteur: Ms. Arundhati Yadav, UNDP
Mr. Anshul Bisen, NITI Aayog
Cultural Programme followed by dinner at Taj Vivanta
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Day 2: 25 February 2020
Time (Hrs) Session
10:00-11:30 (90 min)Technical Session 1: SDGs in the North Eastern Region: Pathways
for Localisation and Achievement
10:00-10:10 (10 min)Chair: Dr Inder Jit Singh, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India
10:10-11:15 (65 min)Panelists:
• Shri Kumar Sanjay Krishna, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Assam
• Shri Naresh Kumar, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
• Dr J. Suresh Babu, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Manipur
• Shri M. S. Rao, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Meghalaya
• Shri Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Mizoram
• Shri Temjen Toy, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland
• Shri S. C. Gupta, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Sikkim
• Shri Manoj Kumar, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Tripura
11:15-11:30 (15 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks by the Chair
Rapporteur: Ms. Mallika Adhikari, UNDP
Ms. Aanchal Pal, NITI Aayog
11:30-11:45 (15 min)Tea/Coffee
11:45-13:15 (90 min)Technical Session 2: Drivers of Economic Prosperity and
Sustainable Livelihoods
11:45-11:55 (10 min)Chair: Shri Rajiv Bora, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Govt. of
Assam
11:55-12:55 (60 min)Panelists:
• Shri Ajit Pai, OSD, NITI Aayog
• Prof. R.M. Pant, Director, NIRD & PR-NERC, Guwahati
• Mr. Vanlalruata Fanai, Deputy General Manager, EXIM Bank
• Mr. Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director, Indian Chamber of
Commerce North East, Guwahati
• Prof. Kalyan Das, Director-in-charge, OKD Institute of Social Change
and Development
• Prof. E. Bijoykumar Singh, Dept. of Economics, Manipur University
• Mr. Vijay Yagnamurthy, Zonal Head – East and Northeast, Tata
Trusts
12:55-13:15 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Mr. Anirudh Menon, Tata Trusts
Ms. Arundhati Yadav, UNDP
13:15-14:00 (45 min)Lunch
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Time (Hrs) Session
14:00-15:30 (90 min)Technical Session 3: Climate Adaptive Agriculture
14:00-14:10 (10 min)Chair: Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog
14:10-15:10 (60 min)Panelists:
• Shri Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture
& Farmers Welfare, Govt. of Tripura
• Shri Bidol Taieng, Secretary (Agriculture, Horticulture), Govt. of
Arunachal Pradesh
• Dr. M. Maheswari, Director, Central Research Institute for Dryland
Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad
• Dr. Naveen P. Singh, Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Institute of
Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP), New Delhi
• Shri Mangsatabam Iboyaima Meitei, Managing Director (i/c),
Natural Resources, North Eastern Region Community Resource
Management Project (NERCORMP)
• Mr. Tasaduk Ariful Hussain, Chairperson, North East Social Trust
• Mr. Netaji Basumatary, Regional Manager, Indo-Global Social
Service Society (IGSSS)
15:10-15:30 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Mr. Amar Chanchal, Tata Trusts
Ms. Abilo Humotse, UNDP
15:30-15:45 (15 min)Tea/Coffee
15:45-17:15 (90 min)Technical Session 4: Nutrition Security & Health and Wellbeing for
all
15:45-15:55 (10 min)Chair: Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog
15:55-16:55 (60 min)Panelists:
• Shri Alok Kumar, Adviser, NITI Aayog
• Shri. Debasish Basu, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare
Department, Government of Tripura
• Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Advisor, UNDP India
• Dr. Rajan Sankar, Senior Advisor – Nutrition, Tata Trusts
• Mr. R. K. Nolinikanta, Community Network for Empowerment
(CoNE), Imphal, Manipur
• Ms. Ruchira Neog, State Coordinator, VHAI, Assam
16:55-17:15 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Ms. Zitin Munshi, UNDP
Ms. Aanchal Pal, NITI Aayog
17:15-17:30 Sum-up for the Day
• Dr. Manorama Bakshi, Senior Adviser, Policy and Advocacy, Tata
Trusts
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Day 3: 26 February 2020
Time (Hrs) Session
10:00-11:30 (90 min)Technical Session 5: Education, Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship
10:00-10:10 (10 min)Chair: Shri Rajiv Bora, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Govt. of
Assam
10:10-11:10 (60 min)Panelists:
• Ms. Sunita Sanghi, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India
• Shri G.P. Upadhyaya, Additional Chief Secretary, Dept. of HRD,
Govt. of Sikkim
• Ms. Saveri Kulshresth, Head, Pratham-Assam, Guwahati
• Mr. Satyajit Sailan, Head – Education, Tata Trusts
• Ms. Jasmina Zeliang, Founder/Proprietor, Cane Concepts, Nagaland
• Dr. Abhijit Sharma, Director, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship,
Guwahati
• Mr. Jackson Khumukcham, Assistant Professor, MGAHD-TISS
Nagaland
11:10-11:30 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Ms. Steffi Itola, Tata Trusts
Mr. P. Lotha, UNDP
11:30-11:45 (15 min)Tea/Coffee
11:45-13:15 (90 min)Technical Session 6: Communication, Connectivity and
Infrastructure Development
11:45-11:55 (10 min)Chair: Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, New Delhi
11:55-12:55 (60 min)Panelists:
• Shri H. Harish Hande, CEO, SELCO Foundation
• Shri Naveen Kumar, Transport Adviser, North Eastern Council,
Shillong
• Shri Mahendra Kumar Yadava, Managing Director, Assam
Electronics Development Corporation Ltd.
• Dr. Shiladitya Chatterjee, Adviser (SDGs), Government of Assam
• Mr. Sudarshan Rodriguez, Programme Director, Mahatama Gandhi
Academy of Human Development, Nagaland
• Dr. Raile R. Ziipao, TISS, Guwahati
12:55-13:15 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Ms. Abilo Humotse, UNDP
Mr. Anirudh Menon, Tata Trusts
17
Time (Hrs) Session
13:15-14:00 (45 min)Lunch
14:00-15:30 (90 min)Technical Session 7: Addressing Inequality and Exclusion in the
North East
14:00-14:10 (10 min)Chair: Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director and Head, South and South-West
Asia (SSWA) Office, UNESCAP, New Delhi
14:10-15:10 (60 min)Panelists:
• Dr. Yogesh Suri, Senior Adviser (Governance & Research), NITI
Aayog
• Ms. Lakhimi Baruah, Managing Director, Konoklota Mahila Urban
Cooperative Bank (KMUCB), Jorhat
• Ms. Hasina Kharbhih, Impulse NGO Network, Shillong, Meghalaya
• Ms. Shireen Vakil, Policy and Advocacy Head, Tata Trusts
• Ms. Patricia Mukhim, Editor, Shillong Times, Meghalaya
• Dr. Walter Fernandes, North East Social Research Centre (NESRC),
Guwahati
15:10-15:30 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Mr. Anshul Bisen, NITI Aayog
Ms. Mallika Adhikari, UNDP
15:30-15:45 (15 min)Tea/Coffee
15:45-17:00 (75 min)Final Session: Way Forward and Valedictory
15:45-15:50 (5 min)Chair: Shri K. Moses Chalai, Secretary, North Eastern Council
15:50-16:30 (40 min)Presentation on Takeaways from the Conclave – Sanyukta Samaddar,
Adviser, NITI Aayog
Way Forward in NE States & Discussion:
• Shri Sentiyanger Imchen, Additional Chief Secretary & Development
Commissioner, Govt. of Nagaland
• Shri V. B. Pathak, Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and
Development, Govt. of Sikkim
• Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare
Department, Government of Assam
• Shri Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, Planning, Govt. of Arunachal
Pradesh
• Dr. Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner & Secretary, Planning Dept. Govt.
of Meghalaya
• Ms. Nidhi Kesarwani, Commissioner, Planning, Manipur
• Dr. C. Vanlalramsanga, Secretary, Planning and Programme
Implementation, Govt. of Mizoram
• Shri Apurba Roy, Special Secretary, Planning, Govt. of Tripura
18
Expected Results/Outcomes:
In the short run: The aim of the conclave is to bring different stakeholders on a common
platform and instil momentum into interventions focused on the SDGs in terms of assessing
the current status and the gaps compared to the rest of the country as well as in each State
vis-à-vis others in the region and explore ways and means to bridge those gaps. In concrete
terms following results are targeted:
• Clear articulation of SDG implementation strategies by the States and the region
including those pertaining to various sectors
• Identification of practical measures to realise the principle of ‘Leaving No One
Behind’
• Adopt monitoring frameworks at State and sub-State levels along with the State/
District Indicator Frameworks
• Clarity regarding refocusing of various flagship and other programmes to achieving
relevant SDG targets including addressing interconnectedness among related
projects/programmes
• Identification of State-specific as well as regional priorities in shape of agreed action
plans.
• Development of synergy among various stakeholders: central ministries, state
governments, North Eastern Council (NEC), public and private sector organisations,
civil society organisations (CSOs) and other agencies active in the region.
In the long run: The conclave would address certain issues of long-term implication for the
development of the region and the achievement of the SDGs. This would include development
of infrastructure, both physical (roads, railways, inland waterways and air connectivity) and
digital (high speed internet for various digital services). The important stakeholders from
Union government, state governments, and support organisations like World Bank, JICA
and private players would have the opportunity to deliberate on these issues to come up
with possible solutions. The conclave also aims at developing partnerships in terms of
commitment from academia, CSOs and other institutions which would support the states in
implementation of emerging priorities related to the SDGs.
Time (Hrs) Session
16:30 -16:50 (20 min)Valedictory Address: • Ms. Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India
16:50 -17:00 (10 min)Wrap-up by Chair Vote of Thanks: Shri Rajiv Bora, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Govt. of Assam Rapporteur: Ms. Arundhati Yadav, UNDP Mr. Amar Chanchal, Tata Trusts
19
NITI AAYOG
Government of India
NORTH EAST COUNCIL
Government of India
GOVERNMNENT OF
ASSAM
TATA TRUSTS
Organising Partners:
The conclave would also instil a sense of competition amongst the NE states to improve
their rankings in the SDG India Index being released by NITI Aayog. The SDG Roadmaps/
Action Plans crystallized by the NE States during the Conclave will provide a powerful fillip
to SDG implementation and performance. Based on the State Indicator Framework, the
progress of the states would be periodically tracked for necessary course correction and
improved performance.
www.niti.gov.in
Partnerships, Cooperation and
Development of North Eastern States
ARUNACHAL PRADESH | ASSAM | MANIPUR
MEGHALAYA | MIZORAM | NAGALAND | SIKKIM | TRIPURA
2 2
2
SDG Conclave 2020
Partnerships, Cooperation
and Development of
North Eastern States
24-26 February, 2020
Assam Administrative Staff College
Guwahati, Assam
INDIA
3
SDG Conclave 2020: Partnerships, Cooperation and
Development of North Eastern States
The Context
The North East region of India is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world where the flora
and fauna as well as the cultures of South, South East and Far East Asia melt and mingle. In
the pre-colonial era the fertile river valleys and the lower Himalayan ranges were the homes
of more than two hundred distinct indigenous peoples speaking languages belonging to
three families of languages (Sino-Tibetan, Austro-Asiatic and Indo-Aryan) ranging from a
population of a few hundreds to a few hundred thousands. The region forms the crucial land
bridge for the Act East Policy of the Government of India to integrate its economy with the fast
growing economies of South East Asia. Therefore, there is considerable attention in terms
of infrastructure development and connectivity. Further, the constitution of the NITI Forum
for the North East under the co-chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and Union
Minister of State (I/C) DoNER, with the North East Council, all 8 States, and representatives
from academia, research institutes and experts, aids and accelerates the focused and
collaborative drive to identify constraints in accelerated, inclusive and sustainable socio-
economic growth in the Northeast Region, while recommending suitable interventions for
addressing these constraints. All these efforts converge to accelerate the collective drive to
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the region.
Northeast States in Achieving SDGs
The North Eastern Region (NER), comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, is one of the most diverse geographic
and socio-economic regions of India. Connected by a narrow 22 km corridor in Assam,
this region is of significant strategic importance, especially with each state sharing an
international border with at least one of the five eastern neighbours of the country. The
region is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world and is substantially endowed with
multifarious natural resources. The NER is home to approximately 225 of India’s tribes,
whose culture and customs provide important clues for biodiversity conservation and
management. The ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural richness of the region contributes
to the socio-cultural wealth of Indian society.
The NER witnessed political exigencies emanating from diversity in ethnicity, culture and
levels of underdevelopment. The states in the region depend significantly on the Central
Government for financial assistance, especially Plan assistance, which continues to be
given on a 90:10 basis, i.e. 90 per cent is central assistance while the States themselves
raise 10 per cent of the budget. Key challenges for the region can be categorized as follows:
• The region is yet to leverage India’s position -as a fast-growing emerging economy
and market, for development
• Overall poor infrastructure development impeding development
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• Low Population Density -119 per sq.km (UP 828, Punjab 554, Bihar 1102)
• Lack of employment opportunities
• High operational cost
• Subsistence farming - Organized groups and strategies to achieve economies of
scale through collective production and marketing missing
• Ecological fragility made worse by persistent environmental degradation - destruction
of tropical rainforest, dying of wetlands, shrinkage of biodiversity cover, soil erosion
and air and water pollution
• State governments are financially strapped, falls under special category
The region is endowed with a vibrant human resource base, varied topography and agro-
climactic conditions which offer vast potential for agriculture, horticulture and forestry. It
also shares international boundaries with several neighbouring countries due to which it
is increasingly gaining significant strategic value. With ASEAN engagement becoming a
central pillar of India’s foreign policy, these states play an important role as the physical and
cultural bridge between India and East Asian countries.
Hence, it is imperative to strengthen partnerships across Central Government, State
Government, Corporates, Civil Societies and neighbouring countries to ensure SDG targets
as envisaged by UN and NITI Aayog are achieved in states of Northeast India, enabling the
region to catch up with better performing states.
The North East - SDG Conclave
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are now being used as the overarching
framework for development discourse, planning and action all over the world and India
has the satisfaction of being the harbinger of adoption and implementation process of this
framework - having championed critical social, economic and environmental parameters.
The North Eastern Region is one of the most demographically diverse regions in the country.
The socio-cultural diversity gives rise to multiple identities and world views. Such multiplicity
is very challenging, particularly, by virtue of increasing the risks of various kinds of exclusions.
On the contrary, it also provides enormous opportunities to learn and strengthen mutual
support among diverse communities towards achievement of Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).
The Northeast -SDG Conclave 2020 which focuses on “Partnerships, Cooperation and
Development of North-Eastern States” will be held in Assam from 24-26 February 2020
at the Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC), Guwahati bringing together all the
stakeholders in the region with the goal of identifying solutions as well as accelerators in
the implementation of SDGs.
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Objectives
1) Determining the key factors which can help multiply progress on SDGs on a par with
better performing States.
2) Identifying factors within the region causing continuing deprivations amongst
certain groups and communities including women and how to resolve them.
3) Strengthening partnership between Centre (including Central PSUs) and states
in furthering the SDGs, with particular emphasis on strengthening impact of centrally
sponsored schemes and projects, involvement of Central PSUs in states’ efforts and
in knowledge and capacity building support.
4) Strengthening partnership with the private sector, with special emphasis on
encouraging the private sector initiatives already on the ground to contribute to SDG
implementation; expanding projects supported by Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) funds on SDG achievement in the Northeast; and infusion of innovation and
new technology.
5) Strengthening partnerships at local level with Panchayati Raj Institutions
(PRIs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and civil society, coordinated through districts to
achieve the SDGs.
Conclave Theme & Sessions
The conclave which is being organised under the umbrella theme of Government of India,
“Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” (One India, Great India) plans to achieve inclusive development
focusing on thematic areas viz. economic growth, connectivity, social & human development,
which are aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Inaugural Session (5 PM to 7 PM on 24 February 2020)
The objective of the opening session is to set the context of the Conclave in terms of progress
on SDGs in the country and in the North Eastern Region. It will provide important insights
into the SDG intervention agenda being taken forward at the national level as well as in
the States concerned. This will help weave out the contours of the subsequent discussions
and enhance awareness and understanding of the key challenges, gaps and opportunities
for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the region. The Session will also provide
foundational inputs on a possible North Eastern Regional Road Map for implementing and
achieving the SDGs.
Cultural Evening (7 PM onwards on 24 February 2020 at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati)
6
Technical Session 1:
SDGs in the North Eastern Region: Pathways for
Localisation and Achievement
(10:00 – 11:30, 25 February 2020)
Context:
Localisation of SDGs is at the heart of successful implementation. It is the process
of understanding, adaptation, planning, implementing and monitoring the SDGs from
subnational to local levels by relevant institutions. Therefore, it begins by defining the national/
subnational context of the 2030 agenda, and moving forward to setting goals and targets
at national and subnational contexts, working out indicators and monitoring framework
from subnational to local levels and identifying/establishing the means and structures
of implementation. In terms of engagement and collaboration of institutions, it would be
consequential how the Union, State and Local Governments work together to achieve the
SDGs at the national level, and how SDGs can provide a framework for subnational and
local policy, planning and action for realization of SDG targets at local levels.
Trajectory:
Against the backdrop of the existing reality of SDG localisation in the country, efforts and
achievements of each North Eastern State will be set forth. Experiences and initiatives
around aspects like promoting the whole-of-government’ approach, preparation of vision
document and roadmap, administrative structures for integration and convergence, State
Indicators Framework, etc. will be brought up and discussed. Specific issues including those
of capacity building and collaboration are also expected to be deliberated upon. Deliberations
in the session may also throw light on implementation of specific SDGs as appropriate to
the States, which can be dealt with in more elaborate details in ensuing sessions. The
Session will conclude with a shared perspective of future course of action with respect to
achieving SDGs and associated targets in the context of development priorities of the North
Eastern region.
7
Technical Session 2:
Drivers of Economic Prosperity & Sustainable Livelihoods
(11:45 – 13:15, 25 February 2020)
Context:
Accounting for only 2.7% of India’s GDP, the NER supports 3.78% of the country’s population.
A weaker tax base and deteriorating public debt situation put some constraints on its economy.
The region has a diverse agricultural production base, which has tremendous potential for
the domestic as well as the export market. But it is also burdened with low level of workers’
participation and high rural unemployment. Entrepreneurship potentials have dampened
in recent years with the Ease of Doing Business seeing a decline. Industrial growth is
sluggish, but, the service sector (IT and ITES, tourism, education, etc.) has potentials to
grow. A large information gap undermines industrial growth prospects as only fragmented
evidence is available through secondary databases like the ASI, Prowess, Indian economy
statistics of RBI, DGCIS, Comtrade, etc. On the other hand, the region is better placed in
terms of MSME clusters, especially for handicrafts, textiles, leather, jewelry, woodwork and
other artisanal crafts. With the NER States producing a wide range of products, there are
opportunities for developing economies of scale and improve exports, which are dominated
by intermediate and semi-finished products. With strong natural resource endowments and
strategic locations on the long land borders with Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Nepal and
Bhutan, the NER presents unique opportunities for developing growth corridors to link with
rest of South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Trajectory:
Across the canvass of relevant policies, strategies and programmes, problems and issues
would be highlighted along with variations in different North Eastern States. Experiences
of various diverse vulnerable communities from the States will be articulated. Roles and
initiatives of stakeholders, such as, the government, financial institutions, regional trade
chambers, private sector and civil society organisations (CSOs) will be discussed. Good
practice cases will be presented and discussed in order to improve strategies within States
and among States. Ways to address trade-off between economic growth and prosperity on
the one hand and environmental sustainability will be deliberated on.
8
Technical Session 3:
Climate Adaptive Agriculture
(14:00 - 15:30, 25 February 2020)
Context:
On account of its fragile ecology and skewed rainfall pattern, the NER risks severe climate
change impacts on the agriculture sector with adverse consequences for food and nutrition,
soil and water management and livelihood security of people. Anticipated impacts include
melting of glaciers, more widespread floods and extended droughts. There can be no more
doubt that precipitation and temperature patterns are changing. The climate forecasts indicate
that these trends will be exacerbated in the future. Average temperatures are projected to
increase by about 1.7°C in almost all the districts of the region. The rainfall is projected to
increase in most of the districts. It makes the matter worse that the region’s natural resources
are under enormous pressure due to increase in population and rising economic growth.
Non-availability of scientific data remains an unresolved challenge, leading to sub-optimal
assessment and management of vulnerability and risks.
Trajectory:
The session will bring out the challenges of the environmental impact of high-external-
input-driven agriculture and sustained agricultural productivity. Experiences of modelling/
piloting climate-adaptive agriculture will be analysed with a view to appraising their wider
adaptability or replicability in the region. Synergy between the objectives of increased
agricultural productivity and those of climate-adaptive agriculture will be a focus area
with respect to producing adequate and nutrition-promoting food crops. Issues of climate-
adaptive agriculture have special significance for the North Eastern Region in view of the
highly bio-diverse and fragile ecosystem. From this point of view, indigenous knowledge
base and traditional agricultural practices assume importance and it is useful to juxtapose
them with current systems and practices for comparative analysis and lesson learning.
Prospects of knowledge development, capacity building and institutional partnerships will
also be assessed in order to explore actionable possibilities.
Technical Session 4:
Nutrition Security & Health and Wellbeing for All
(15:45 - 17:15, 25 February 2020)
Context:
While malnutrition among under-5 children as well as pregnant and lactating women reduced
across the NER during the ten-year period since 2005-6, there is considerable ground to
cover in terms of meeting the target of ending all forms of malnutrition. Prevalence of anaemia,
amongst children aged 6 to 59 months and pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years, was
significantly lower in the NER than the national averages of 58.6% and 50.4%, respectively.
9
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for 58.8 per cent of total deaths while the
proportion of deaths due to Communicable Diseases is more than the national average of
27.5 per cent. In terms of specific causes of mortality, the NER has a higher-than-national
average in diarrheal diseases, strokes, lower-respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, pre-term
birth complications, rheumatic heart diseases and hepatitis. The incidence of malaria and
dengue in the region draws attention to the need of more effective vector control. Cancer
incidence rates are double the national average with the highest incidence in Mizoram,
Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. HIV AIDS remains a challenge, especially in terms
of new infections, infection among substance users and issues pertaining to continuous
availability of anti-retroviral medication.
Trajectory:
The session will broadly purvey the health situation in the region and the issues faced
by various vulnerable groups, such as, women and children, Scheduled Tribes/Castes,
people living with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS. Major areas of health policies
and programmes will be analysed and issues highlighted for remedial measures. Access to
health protection as well as effective health care services will be discussed. The session will
look into serious problems that the region suffers from in the health delivery system – lack of
adequate and trained health personnel, difficulty in accessing services due to geographical
remoteness/isolation, problems in the health governance system, etc. It will also deal with
high incidence of diseases like malaria, cancer, HIV/AIDS. The other major axis of the
session will relate to issues of attaining adequate nutrition status by various vulnerable
population groups and intervention strategies with respect to that. Attention will be given
to dynamics of food distribution, access and quality assurance. In exploring solutions and
ways out, opportunities for collaboration and partnership between States and other relevant
stakeholders will be explored.
Technical Session 5:
Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
(10:00 – 11:30, 26 February 2020)
Context:
At 74.6 per cent, the overall literacy rate in the NER was slightly higher than the national
average in 2011. Matters of concern include a large proportion of schools being single-
teacher, absence of toilets for girls, high dropout rates and low enrolment in secondary
education. Despite addition of new central universities and institutions, the number of
colleges per thousand population (18-23 years) remains much below the national average.
Additionally, the low share of diploma courses in most of the states of the NER is a matter
of special concern in terms of skilling and employment. Despite a significant impetus in
skill development programmes, translation of Vocational Education and Training (VET) into
economic opportunities has been a challenge for those undertaking the courses. Substantive
private sector engagement in fostering skill development, entrepreneurship and employment
may be an important complement to the existing government interventions in the region.
10
Trajectory:
The whole gamut of issues faced in the continuum from education to decent work will
be covered. Relevant policies, programmes/schemes and their implementation will be
discussed in an outcome-oriented perspective. While existing problems such as those of
education of girls and SC/ST population, high incidence of dropout, low enrolment, teachers’
absenteeism, habitation without schooling facilities, quality issues, etc. will be looked into,
issues around vocational education, skill development, entrepreneurship development and
creation of well-paying jobs will have substantial attention. Uneven access to opportunities
across various social/population groups will also attract remedial thinking. Like other
sessions, learning from good practices and exploring replicability will be a continuous thread
to be pursued throughout the session.
Technical Session 6:
Communication, Connectivity and Infrastructure Development
(11:45 – 13:15, 26 February 2020)
The total length of national highways (NH) in NER was 13,082 kms as of 2016-17 with a
4600 kms addition in the previous six years. Unlike the total road length (inclusive of all
types of roads) the regional NH network is relatively evenly distributed across the region.
Besides NH, the network of state highways in NER has improved considerably over the
years. The total length of railways in the NER was 2662 kms as of 2016-17, with 91.8 per
cent being in Assam. The total navigable length of main rivers in the NER is 3839 kms and
therefore, inland waterways are a promising alternative for transport of people and cargo.
Passenger and cargo traffic for several NER states has significantly increased between
2015 and 2018. New airports are also being built across the States. However, there are
several challenges that precipitate unwanted delay and congestion in surface transport. An
integrated transport corridor approach is suitable for releasing traffic on those routes and
enables faster movement of cargo.
Reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is also critical for supporting the
entrepreneurship ecosystem emerging in different parts of the country including in the
NER, particularly for design, development and user interface of e-commerce platforms and
multimedia services. Some of the states in NER are rightly poised to leverage technology
driven entrepreneurship and digital platforms to support retail, trade and tourism sectors
critical to the region and hence promote livelihood opportunities. It may be noted that Tripura
is the country’s third international internet gateway after Mumbai and Chennai (through
Cox Bazaar-Bangladesh.). Full serviceability of this gateway would be critical for promoting
economy and development in the entire NER by bringing down service costs. The NER
has also registered significantly higher growth in mobile and wireline connectivity. As per
2019 statistics, mobile tele-density in the NER stands at 82.5% which is below the national
average of 88.41%. However, aggregate internet penetration in NER is significantly higher
than the national average. Similarly, the broadband penetration in NER is higher than the
national level.
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Considering unique geographical situation and strategic location on long international
border, connectivity and communication in the NER is a very critical issue. There is a need
for quick and integrated growth in all the interrelated sectors.
Trajectory:
Communication, infrastructure and connectivity are the key arteries of the development
process and more so in the current times. One of the focus areas will be physical as well
as digital infrastructure development, which have been areas of concern in the region.
Existing programmes will be analysed and new opportunities, such as, in-land waterways
discussed. Current communication management system will be analysed to identify scope
for innovations and new initiatives. Scope of accessing and using new technologies related
to internet of things, big data, Artificial Intelligence, etc. will be explored. The session will
also deal with ways and means of seeking help from various technology partners as well
as institutional investors for providing resource support for transforming the infrastructural
landscape of the region.
Technical Session 7:
Addressing Inequality and Exclusion in the North East
(14:00 – 15:30, 26 February 2020)
Context:
The NER presents a unique socio-cultural mosaic consisting of diverse tribal communities,
and linguistic and ethnic identities. These identities often overlap and even transcend social
as well as geographic boundaries. Many communities in the region suffer from multiple
vulnerabilities. As reflected in other thematic sessions, the region posts sluggish progress
on a number of development parameters, which also adversely impacts the situation of
vulnerable communities.
The Constitution of India provides several protective provisions for the region. The
Sixth Schedule of the Constitution bestows special status upon the traditional institutions
and provides for local self-governance in autonomous district councils. Development
programmes and processes have represented the major stream of efforts to integrate and
assimilate various vulnerable communities in the mainstream of progress and address
concerns of exclusion and isolation. However, issues of unequal distribution of resources
as well as a sense of exclusion among various communities have arisen from time to time.
Emergence of educated elites, students and mobilised youth, active civil society and market
forces has also given rise to new processes of change and wider aspirations for better
opportunities as well as anxiety about possible discrimination and exclusion.
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Trajectory:
The more the diversity, the more the attention riveted on the core SDG principle of ‘Leave No
One Behind’. This is emphatically true of the North Eastern Region. The session will bring
together various initiatives fructifying the principle and working among different communities
at risk for exclusion. Attempt is made to cover all the States. Participants in the session will
include government officials, CSOs, social activists, academics as well as media people.
Major initiatives creating impact on various excluded or marginalised communities will be
discussed in the session. Availability of reliable data is a long-standing problem in this area,
where possible innovations will also be considered.
Final Session:
Way Forward and Valedictory
(15:45 – 17:00, 26 February 2020)
In the culminating session, a summing-up of all the technical sessions will be done to facilitate
reflection on the ways forward. All the States will be represented in the panel to deliberate
on the paths forward as far as implementing and achieving the SDGs is concerned. Ways
for convergence and collaboration of all the stakeholders would be explored for joining
of forces and making greater impact. The session will end with shared perspective of
taking collaborative steps towards improving innovation, cooperation and partnerships for
sustainable development.
As part of preparation, discussions will be held for States to develop their road map on SDGs,
which can be discussed, inputted and finalized in course of the Conclave to constitute the
way forward.
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The Programme
Venue: Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC), Guwahati
Day 1: 24 February 2020
Time (Hrs) Session
16:30-17:00 Registration
17:00-19:00 Inaugural Session
17:00-17:05 (5 min)Introduction:
• Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog
17:05-17:10 (5 min)Welcome Remarks:
• Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister, Finance, Transformation &
Development, Education & Health, Government of Assam
• Ceremonial lighting of Lamp, Offering Gamcha
Time (Hrs) Session
17:10-17:20 (10 min)Opening Remarks and Setting the Context:
• Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog
17:20-17:30 (10 min)Remarks:
• Ms. Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator, India
• Shri Mehrab Irani, Group CFO, Tata Trusts
17:30-18:40 (70 min)Special Address:
• Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
• Shri Nongthombam Biren Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur
• Shri Conrad Kongkal Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya
• Shri Zoramthanga, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram
• Shri Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland
• Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim
• Shri Biplab Kumar Deb, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura
• Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam
18:40-18:50 (10 min)Keynote Address:
• Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (IC), Ministry of
Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of
India
18:50-19:00 (10 min)Vote of Thanks
• Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog
Rapporteur: Ms. Arundhati Yadav, UNDP
Mr. Anshul Bisen, NITI Aayog
Cultural Programme followed by dinner at Taj Vivanta
14
Day 2: 25 February 2020
Time (Hrs) Session
10:00-11:30 (90 min)Technical Session 1: SDGs in the North Eastern Region: Pathways
for Localisation and Achievement
10:00-10:10 (10 min)Chair: Dr Inder Jit Singh, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India
10:10-11:15 (65 min)Panelists:
• Shri Kumar Sanjay Krishna, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Assam
• Shri Naresh Kumar, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
• Dr J. Suresh Babu, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Manipur
• Shri M. S. Rao, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Meghalaya
• Shri Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Mizoram
• Shri Temjen Toy, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland
• Shri S. C. Gupta, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Sikkim
• Shri Manoj Kumar, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Tripura
11:15-11:30 (15 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks by the Chair
Rapporteur: Ms. Mallika Adhikari, UNDP
Ms. Aanchal Pal, NITI Aayog
11:30-11:45 (15 min)Tea/Coffee
11:45-13:15 (90 min)Technical Session 2: Drivers of Economic Prosperity and
Sustainable Livelihoods
11:45-11:55 (10 min)Chair: Shri Rajiv Bora, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Govt. of
Assam
11:55-12:55 (60 min)Panelists:
• Shri Ajit Pai, OSD, NITI Aayog
• Prof. R.M. Pant, Director, NIRD & PR-NERC, Guwahati
• Mr. Vanlalruata Fanai, Deputy General Manager, EXIM Bank
• Mr. Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director, Indian Chamber of
Commerce North East, Guwahati
• Prof. Kalyan Das, Director-in-charge, OKD Institute of Social Change
and Development
• Prof. E. Bijoykumar Singh, Dept. of Economics, Manipur University
• Mr. Vijay Yagnamurthy, Zonal Head – East and Northeast, Tata
Trusts
12:55-13:15 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Mr. Anirudh Menon, Tata Trusts
Ms. Arundhati Yadav, UNDP
13:15-14:00 (45 min)Lunch
15
Time (Hrs) Session
14:00-15:30 (90 min)Technical Session 3: Climate Adaptive Agriculture
14:00-14:10 (10 min)Chair: Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog
14:10-15:10 (60 min)Panelists:
• Shri Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture
& Farmers Welfare, Govt. of Tripura
• Shri Bidol Taieng, Secretary (Agriculture, Horticulture), Govt. of
Arunachal Pradesh
• Dr. M. Maheswari, Director, Central Research Institute for Dryland
Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad
• Dr. Naveen P. Singh, Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Institute of
Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP), New Delhi
• Shri Mangsatabam Iboyaima Meitei, Managing Director (i/c),
Natural Resources, North Eastern Region Community Resource
Management Project (NERCORMP)
• Mr. Tasaduk Ariful Hussain, Chairperson, North East Social Trust
• Mr. Netaji Basumatary, Regional Manager, Indo-Global Social
Service Society (IGSSS)
15:10-15:30 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Mr. Amar Chanchal, Tata Trusts
Ms. Abilo Humotse, UNDP
15:30-15:45 (15 min)Tea/Coffee
15:45-17:15 (90 min)Technical Session 4: Nutrition Security & Health and Wellbeing for
all
15:45-15:55 (10 min)Chair: Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog
15:55-16:55 (60 min)Panelists:
• Shri Alok Kumar, Adviser, NITI Aayog
• Shri. Debasish Basu, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare
Department, Government of Tripura
• Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Advisor, UNDP India
• Dr. Rajan Sankar, Senior Advisor – Nutrition, Tata Trusts
• Mr. R. K. Nolinikanta, Community Network for Empowerment
(CoNE), Imphal, Manipur
• Ms. Ruchira Neog, State Coordinator, VHAI, Assam
16:55-17:15 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Ms. Zitin Munshi, UNDP
Ms. Aanchal Pal, NITI Aayog
17:15-17:30 Sum-up for the Day
• Dr. Manorama Bakshi, Senior Adviser, Policy and Advocacy, Tata
Trusts
16
Day 3: 26 February 2020
Time (Hrs) Session
10:00-11:30 (90 min)Technical Session 5: Education, Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship
10:00-10:10 (10 min)Chair: Shri Rajiv Bora, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Govt. of
Assam
10:10-11:10 (60 min)Panelists:
• Ms. Sunita Sanghi, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India
• Shri G.P. Upadhyaya, Additional Chief Secretary, Dept. of HRD,
Govt. of Sikkim
• Ms. Saveri Kulshresth, Head, Pratham-Assam, Guwahati
• Mr. Satyajit Sailan, Head – Education, Tata Trusts
• Ms. Jasmina Zeliang, Founder/Proprietor, Cane Concepts, Nagaland
• Dr. Abhijit Sharma, Director, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship,
Guwahati
• Mr. Jackson Khumukcham, Assistant Professor, MGAHD-TISS
Nagaland
11:10-11:30 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Ms. Steffi Itola, Tata Trusts
Mr. P. Lotha, UNDP
11:30-11:45 (15 min)Tea/Coffee
11:45-13:15 (90 min)Technical Session 6: Communication, Connectivity and
Infrastructure Development
11:45-11:55 (10 min)Chair: Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, New Delhi
11:55-12:55 (60 min)Panelists:
• Shri H. Harish Hande, CEO, SELCO Foundation
• Shri Naveen Kumar, Transport Adviser, North Eastern Council,
Shillong
• Shri Mahendra Kumar Yadava, Managing Director, Assam
Electronics Development Corporation Ltd.
• Dr. Shiladitya Chatterjee, Adviser (SDGs), Government of Assam
• Mr. Sudarshan Rodriguez, Programme Director, Mahatama Gandhi
Academy of Human Development, Nagaland
• Dr. Raile R. Ziipao, TISS, Guwahati
12:55-13:15 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Ms. Abilo Humotse, UNDP
Mr. Anirudh Menon, Tata Trusts
17
Time (Hrs) Session
13:15-14:00 (45 min)Lunch
14:00-15:30 (90 min)Technical Session 7: Addressing Inequality and Exclusion in the
North East
14:00-14:10 (10 min)Chair: Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director and Head, South and South-West
Asia (SSWA) Office, UNESCAP, New Delhi
14:10-15:10 (60 min)Panelists:
• Dr. Yogesh Suri, Senior Adviser (Governance & Research), NITI
Aayog
• Ms. Lakhimi Baruah, Managing Director, Konoklota Mahila Urban
Cooperative Bank (KMUCB), Jorhat
• Ms. Hasina Kharbhih, Impulse NGO Network, Shillong, Meghalaya
• Ms. Shireen Vakil, Policy and Advocacy Head, Tata Trusts
• Ms. Patricia Mukhim, Editor, Shillong Times, Meghalaya
• Dr. Walter Fernandes, North East Social Research Centre (NESRC),
Guwahati
15:10-15:30 (20 min)Open Discussion and Closing remarks of the Chair
Rapporteur: Mr. Anshul Bisen, NITI Aayog
Ms. Mallika Adhikari, UNDP
15:30-15:45 (15 min)Tea/Coffee
15:45-17:00 (75 min)Final Session: Way Forward and Valedictory
15:45-15:50 (5 min)Chair: Shri K. Moses Chalai, Secretary, North Eastern Council
15:50-16:30 (40 min)Presentation on Takeaways from the Conclave – Sanyukta Samaddar,
Adviser, NITI Aayog
Way Forward in NE States & Discussion:
• Shri Sentiyanger Imchen, Additional Chief Secretary & Development
Commissioner, Govt. of Nagaland
• Shri V. B. Pathak, Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and
Development, Govt. of Sikkim
• Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare
Department, Government of Assam
• Shri Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, Planning, Govt. of Arunachal
Pradesh
• Dr. Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner & Secretary, Planning Dept. Govt.
of Meghalaya
• Ms. Nidhi Kesarwani, Commissioner, Planning, Manipur
• Dr. C. Vanlalramsanga, Secretary, Planning and Programme
Implementation, Govt. of Mizoram
• Shri Apurba Roy, Special Secretary, Planning, Govt. of Tripura
18
Expected Results/Outcomes:
In the short run: The aim of the conclave is to bring different stakeholders on a common
platform and instil momentum into interventions focused on the SDGs in terms of assessing
the current status and the gaps compared to the rest of the country as well as in each State
vis-à-vis others in the region and explore ways and means to bridge those gaps. In concrete
terms following results are targeted:
• Clear articulation of SDG implementation strategies by the States and the region
including those pertaining to various sectors
• Identification of practical measures to realise the principle of ‘Leaving No One
Behind’
• Adopt monitoring frameworks at State and sub-State levels along with the State/
District Indicator Frameworks
• Clarity regarding refocusing of various flagship and other programmes to achieving
relevant SDG targets including addressing interconnectedness among related
projects/programmes
• Identification of State-specific as well as regional priorities in shape of agreed action
plans.
• Development of synergy among various stakeholders: central ministries, state
governments, North Eastern Council (NEC), public and private sector organisations,
civil society organisations (CSOs) and other agencies active in the region.
In the long run: The conclave would address certain issues of long-term implication for the
development of the region and the achievement of the SDGs. This would include development
of infrastructure, both physical (roads, railways, inland waterways and air connectivity) and
digital (high speed internet for various digital services). The important stakeholders from
Union government, state governments, and support organisations like World Bank, JICA
and private players would have the opportunity to deliberate on these issues to come up
with possible solutions. The conclave also aims at developing partnerships in terms of
commitment from academia, CSOs and other institutions which would support the states in
implementation of emerging priorities related to the SDGs.
Time (Hrs) Session
16:30 -16:50 (20 min)Valedictory Address: • Ms. Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India
16:50 -17:00 (10 min)Wrap-up by Chair Vote of Thanks: Shri Rajiv Bora, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Govt. of Assam Rapporteur: Ms. Arundhati Yadav, UNDP Mr. Amar Chanchal, Tata Trusts
19
NITI AAYOG
Government of India
NORTH EAST COUNCIL
Government of India
GOVERNMNENT OF
ASSAM
TATA TRUSTS
Organising Partners:
The conclave would also instil a sense of competition amongst the NE states to improve
their rankings in the SDG India Index being released by NITI Aayog. The SDG Roadmaps/
Action Plans crystallized by the NE States during the Conclave will provide a powerful fillip
to SDG implementation and performance. Based on the State Indicator Framework, the
progress of the states would be periodically tracked for necessary course correction and
improved performance.
www.niti.gov.in